Networking doesn’t stop when you reach senior leadership—it evolves. Maintaining strong professional connections is essential for staying ahead of industry trends, fostering innovation, and building strategic partnerships that drive success.

On June 11, NationSwell hosted a virtual Leader Roundtable designed to explore why networking remains critical at the highest levels of leadership and provide actionable strategies to strengthen and utilize networks for personal and organizational success.

Some of the key takeaways from the discussion appear below:

Key Takeaways

Be grounded in who you are, and build your network with that identity in mind. Your geography, industry, and function shape your networking identity. Reframing how you position yourself  depending on which of these three you emphasize can unlock new opportunities, especially when transitioning between industries or roles.

Focus on authenticity, clarity, and brevity to strengthen your outreach. When initiating new contact, be concise and clear about who you are, what you need, and why it matters. Thoughtful communication builds trust and leaves a lasting impression.

Remember that the scope of networking is broad and personalized. Networking can serve many purposes from seeking board roles and public speaking engagements to navigating a career transition. Use your network as both a sounding board and a launchpad. Additionally, networking is most effective when it’s simplified and personal. Whether you’re exploring new career options or looking for a restaurant recommendation, treat networking as a tool for mutual exchange. Even transactional requests are welcomed; most people are flattered to be asked for help or to be known as a go-to resource.

Make networking for a career transition a volume and timing game. A thorough job search may take 5–6 months and involve 120–150 conversations, each interaction building momentum. While outcomes will vary, meaningful opportunities often come from a few individuals who go the extra mile. Relationships are often the key to opening a new door.

Invest in a multigenerational, cross-sector network. Engaging with people across industries and age groups broadens your perspective, expands opportunity, and keeps you relevant. Building internal, cross-functional relationships within your organization is also essential for increasing visibility and bridging teams.

Tend to your network like a garden. It requires consistent care, outreach, and attention. Use travel, spontaneous calls, or quick notes to nurture connections even when you don’t need anything. Intentional relationship-building starts long before a need arises, and continues over time.